Calories in Carrots
Carrots had originated in Asia and are basically edible root vegetables. It is famous world-wide due to the high nutritional value of carrots and most importantly, because of the many health benefits of carrots. Carrots are eaten raw and cooked in salads and added to many viands.
Health Benefits of Carrots
Carrots can be called 'fat-busters', as they are high in fiber content. Half of the fibers in carrots are soluble in calcium pectate, thus helping in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The soluble fibers bind with bile acids and eliminate them. This triggers cholesterol to be drawn out of the blood and make more bile acids. The soluble fibers are also known to prevent gastrointestinal disorders like colic and ulcers.
Another health benefit of carrots is that they are the best source of beta carotene. Cooked carrots contain four times the amount of vitamin A specified under the required dietary requirement in form of beta carotene. Beta carotene is known to be the best weapon to prevent cancers of the stomach, cervix, uterus and oral cavity. It is also known to help protect the heart against heart diseases, as it has antioxidant abilities. It is also helps make your skin healthy and prevents one from feeling stress and fatigue. Due to its antioxidant properties it has a very cleansing effect on the body.
Carrots are power houses containing folic acids and vitamin B group that act against free radicals in the body. Carrots contain lignin that helps in strengthening the immune system and fight against cancer cells. Due to presence of potash succinate that have anti-hypertensive properties, carrots also help in reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown patients with terminal cancer should have an intake of 8 ounce glasses of carrot juice per day, as a part of their treatment against cancer. People suffering from diabetes can safely munch on, as carrots consumed in a limited amount won't affect their blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemic and diabetics should limit their intake of carrots and carrots juice as over consumption may worsen their condition.
Nutritional Value of Carrots
There are 52 calories in carrots and 3 calories from fats. Carrots contain 90% carbohydrates, 5% proteins and 8.66 grams of non-fiber carbohydrates. There are about 0.3 grams of fats, 30 milligram of calcium, 0.6 milligrams of iron in the nutritional value of carrots. Carrots also contain many vitamins like vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, biotin, potassium and thiamine. There is about 3.62 milligrams of beta carotene in 100 grams of carrots.
Carrots Nutrition Facts
- Carrots help improving the appearance of hair, nails and skin.
- Breastfeeding mothers should include carrots in their diet, as it improves the quality of breast milk.
- Carrots help in lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol when eaten daily.
- Beta carotene is the excellent antioxidant to prevent cancer.
- Vitamin A in carrots helps improving eyesight and prevention of night blindness caused due to decrease in vitamin A
- Drinking carrot juice daily is known to prevent infections.
- Carrot help in regulating blood sugar levels and promote colon health.
- Carrots have known to be useful in cases of blood poisoning, gum diseases, insomnia, liver, gallbladder diseases, Alzheimer's diseases, etc.
